2003 Ford Fiesta · 63,714 MOT tests
2003 Ford Fiesta reliability
2003 Ford Fiestas fail 45.9% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 25 Fiesta years (63,714 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 45.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 92,078
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 63,714
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 9.9% of tests fail here (40% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 41% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Ford Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.5%
- Brakes16.1%
- Suspension14.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.9%
- Tyres7.3%
- Body, chassis and structure6.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 7.25%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 5.87%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Position lamp not working 4.93%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.42%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 3.63%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.57%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (26.61%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.97%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.56%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.69%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (11.49%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (9.29%)
Other years
Every Ford Fiesta year
The full picture: Ford Fiesta reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Fiesta, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Ford Fiesta reliable?
2003 Ford Fiestas fail 45.9% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 25 Fiesta years (63,714 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (7.25% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (5.87% of tests), position lamp not working (4.93% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Ford Fiesta shows 92,078 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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